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A great loop with a big climb, big views, and big aspens.


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Map Key

10.3

Miles

16.7

KM

Loop

9,752' 2,972 m

High

7,749' 2,362 m

Low

2,076' 633 m

Up

2,076' 633 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Closed from December 1 to July 1 for elk calving.

Overview

This loop has a bit of everything: a long grind up a dirt road through open meadows, a little historic cabin, a fabulous descent through a large aspen forest, and great meadows.

Description

The 2,000+ climb starts right from the parking lot up the doubletrack Line Shack trail, and doesn't end until you get to the high point, at an old "line shack" that appears to be frequently used as a winter hideaway. There's a wood stove and primitive sleep & cooking space. Along the way you'll pass through serene meadows with great views and shady aspen groves.

From there, the singletrack begins down Whiskey Creek, and you have 4 miles of enjoyable descending through the aspen forest. The trail is a little rutted in places, but not bad. Near the end, as you approach the highway, the trail forks. The right direction follows the new Everkrisp back to the trailhead. The left fork goes towards the Eagle Vail Homestake K8 school.

History & Background

In the 1920's, the meadows were the property of the Evercrisp Lettuce Company (Can you believe it- Minturn was "the lettuce capital of America").

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 13 votes

#5

in Vail

#2831

Overall
  4.0 from 13 votes
5 Star
31%
4 Star
46%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#5

in Vail

#422

in Colorado

#2,831

Overall
13 Views Last Month
7,320 Since Sep 20, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
7%
57%
21%
14%
0%

Photos

The Line Shack at the top of the climb.
Jul 21, 2019 near Minturn, CO
Great views from the switchbacks
Jul 21, 2019 near Minturn, CO
Good idea to pause from the climb and check out the scenery once in a while!
Sep 20, 2015 near Minturn, CO
Passed a couple deer checking us out before they headed off.
Sep 20, 2015 near Minturn, CO
Great fall hike up Whisky Creek
Sep 19, 2015 near Minturn, CO
Meadow Mountain: aptly named!
Sep 20, 2015 near Minturn, CO

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Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 24, 2022
Bronson Martin
10.8mi — 2h 22m
Jul 11, 2021
stephen sklarow
really three trails combined to make a loop. total distance 11 miles and 2267 feet elev. gain 11mi — 5h 14m
May 23, 2021
Erin G
Jul 18, 2020
Jennifer McElveen
Great hike with family and friends. Sunscreen and plenty of water are needed on a hot sunny day. Looking forward to the aspens on the fall hike. 10.3mi — 4h 00m
Aug 1, 2019
Cody Reynolds
10h 24m
Jun 30, 2019
Anna Lawitzke
10.4mi — 3h 30m
Sep 14, 2018
Dirk Stugg
Apr 5, 2018
Danielle Dequin
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